Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

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This creamy white cheddar mac and cheese is the comfort food your soul craves. Every spoonful wraps you in warmth, with a silky cheese sauce that clings lovingly to every curve of the pasta. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it hits the perfect balance between sharp white cheddar and subtle buttery notes.

Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you simply want something decadent without the hassle of baking, this stovetop version gets the job done fast. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a bowl of luxurious, cheesy goodness ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

If you’re tired of bland boxed versions or overly processed cheese sauces, this recipe is your new go-to. It uses real sharp white cheddar for a bolder, tangier flavor that elevates the dish beyond basic. The addition of cream makes the sauce lusciously smooth without feeling too heavy. And the best part? No baking necessary. It’s pure stovetop magic.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese?

Look for a high-quality sharp white cheddar, aged if possible. The older the cheddar, the deeper and more complex the flavor. You can mix in a touch of Gruyère for nuttiness or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch, but shredding it fresh from the block gives you a smoother melt.

Ingredients for the Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

The key to this recipe is using ingredients that bring maximum creaminess and flavor with minimal effort. Each item plays a role in building a luscious cheese sauce that hugs the pasta just right.

• Elbow macaroni
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Sharp white cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)

How To Make the Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly and golden. This creates the base that will thicken the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Milk

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese

Reduce heat to low and gradually add the shredded white cheddar. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if using.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm right from the pot for the ultimate comfort food experience.

How to Serve and Store Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

This recipe yields enough for about 4 generous servings, perfect for a small family dinner or a cozy meal for two with leftovers. Serve it hot straight from the stove while the cheese sauce is at its silkiest. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese?

Roasted Broccoli

The crisp edges and slight bitterness of roasted broccoli offer a perfect contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.

Garlic Herb Chicken

Grilled or pan-seared chicken with herbs balances the creaminess with savory depth.

Crisp Green Salad

A fresh salad with a vinaigrette dressing brings a light, tangy complement to this hearty dish.

Tomato Basil Soup

This classic soup pairs beautifully with mac and cheese, offering a warm and cozy combination.

Sauteed Spinach

Lightly sauteed spinach with garlic gives you a nutrient-rich side that won’t overwhelm.

Fried Chicken Tenders

Crispy tenders dipped in honey mustard or ranch are a playful and satisfying pairing.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

The salty, smoky flavor of bacon elevates this veggie side to something special.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy white cheddar mac and cheese, you’ll want to try these other crowd-pleasing pasta dishes:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use all white cheddar or add a cheese blend? Maybe you tossed in some crispy bacon or a sprinkle of truffle salt?

I love hearing how you put your own twist on it. And if you’ve got questions, I’m here to help.

Explore beautifully curated comfort-food favorites and weeknight wonders on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover more craveable recipes that bring joy to the table.

Conclusion

There’s something about homemade mac and cheese that never gets old, and this creamy white cheddar version proves that simple ingredients can yield rich, unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or just indulging yourself, this one-pot comfort dish is bound to become a regular in your rotation.

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